It pains me to think of the winter months that are looming, but now is the time to pick up those key winter wardrobe staples just as they come into stores towards the end of August. Pause to consider a purchase at this time and it may be gone forever...

These are the key pieces I will be looking to add to my wardrobe over the next few months:

1. Winter Wonderland Sweater

I'm hoping I can find a piece like the one above from D&G. I did buy something similar on sale in Abercrombie that I didn't get the chance to wear too much last winter, so maybe that will be my Norwegian sweater of the season.

2. Maxi Skirt

I'm still undecided on the whole maxi skirt trend. I had a bit of an incident a few years back involving a escalator and a gypsy skirt that I haven't quite got over! But I know by the end of the season I will have worn one of these a few times. This version by Athleta is perfect for the autumn months.

3. Camel-Coloured Coat

I have been alternating between a plum winter coat and a camel coloured coat for the past few years and I must admit I love my camel coat. It goes with absolutely anything and can be dressed up or dressed down. Perfect. Two styles I have been admiring are both by designer Suwha Hong.

4. Knee High Socks

This is another trend I've been excited to try but I can't quite muster up the confidence to actually wear it. I just have this dread that I will look like some strange late-twenties school girl. This season I'm determined to try them out. This plain pair from American Apparel would be perfect to test out this trend (and they can be work under trousers if I decide it's not for me!)

5. Bright Evening Dress

I feel this is the season to put the LBD away and go for something a little brighter to liven up the winter months. I love the style and fit of this piece by BCBG.

6. Nude Heels

These heels are by Cole Haan, with Nike Air technology. They don't come cheap (this pair is priced at $328 - although you can find great bargains at outlet stores like Freeport, Maine) but honestly, these are the only heels I can wear all night without causing me any pain at all.

7. Lace/Embellished Detailing

This dress and jacket by French Connection are perfect for Autumn/Winter. The embellished detail is beautiful and each piece can also be worn separately.

8. 50s Inspired Bag

I love a beautiful bag, especially when they are large enough to cram in all the junk that I carry around! This one from Club Monaco would be ideal, and the colour will complement my camel coloured coat perfectly!

This is my first ever sewing creation, a pair of lounge pants. I was so nervous starting this out that I put it off for weeks and weeks. I didn't want my first sewing masterpiece to be a complete disaster that would put me off for life! But amazingly, they turned out perfect.

I used fabric sourced from the remnants bin at my local fabric store and it only cost me a $1 (there was no way I was using expensive fabric on my first sewing attempt!) I took the pattern slowly and read (and re-read) each step carefully.

They only took me two evenings to make and they will be in-house comfy staple wear for a while! I've already had requests for orders from friends (Christmas presents anyone!)

So, a computer mishap which resulted in all my design files disappearing into virtual nothingness has made me rethink myself and my blog. Was I doing what I really wanted to do? Was I heading down the right path?

I needed to disappear off the radar for a few weeks to really think about this. Yes, I could easily recreate the files that I lost, but did I want to?

I took some time to think about what I really wanted to do, what skills I wanted to learn to push myself and I realised what I had known all along. My true passion lies in fashion and clothes. From the colours and patterns of the fabric to the shapes that are cut out of the sheets of fabric to piece together to make garments, I love all of this.

I have never made my own clothes before, but please join me on my journey over the next few months as I attempt to make my own capsule wardrobe for spring/summer 2011.